When will CalFresh Summer EBT cards for kids be loaded? Last names starting with R

The Summer EBT cards for children (Sun Bucks) typically arrive already activated, but the benefits are loaded according to a staggered schedule based on last name. For last names starting with R, benefits should be loaded approximately 5-7 days after you receive the cards. Each card will be loaded with $120 per child for the summer period. You can check the balance by calling the number on the back of the card or using the EBT app. Keep the cards even after summer ends, as they can be reloaded if the program continues next year.

my kids got there sun bucks cards last yr and they were already loaded when we got them in the mail...but i think it depends on when they send them out. we got ours in joon last year and they werked right away at the store.

Is this the pandemic EBT program or something else? I'm confused because I thought P-EBT ended. My kids' school does free lunch for everyone, would they still qualify for these Sun Bucks cards? How do you even apply?

I've been trying to get through to the county office to ask about this exact thing for my grandkids! Been on hold for HOURS! Finally I tried this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in about 10 minutes. They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you back when a worker is available. Saved me so much frustration! If you need to call about your cards, check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

For 2025 Summer EBT (Sun Bucks) distribution, here's the official schedule: 1. Cards will arrive 1-2 weeks before benefits are loaded 2. Last names A-F: Benefits available June 1 3. Last names G-L: Benefits available June 8 4. Last names M-R: Benefits available June 15 5. Last names S-Z: Benefits available June 22 Each card receives a one-time summer benefit of $120 per child. Cards come with instructions and a PIN that needs to be set up before use. The benefits can only be used for food items, not hot prepared foods or non-food items. If you don't receive your cards by June 1st, contact your county office as they might have been sent to an outdated address.

Make sure you activate each card separately! Last year I thought they all used the same PIN but my sister told me each kid's card needs its own setup. Almost threw away the other cards thinking they were extras lol

I STILL haven't gotten an answer about whether my kids qualify since their school has universal free lunch. Does anyone know if that counts? Do I have to be on actual CalFresh?

Just wanted to add that you can also check your card balance online at www.ebtcalifornia.com or by downloading the ebtEDGE mobile app. This is super convenient so you don't have to call the number on the back of the card every time. I set up accounts for all my kids' cards last year and it made tracking their spending so much easier. The app also shows you exactly where the cards were used, which is helpful for budgeting. Also, don't forget that these cards can be used at farmers markets that accept EBT - many of them even have matching programs that double your benefits for fresh produce!